The paper deals
with traditional farming systems practiced by indigenous communities of
Meghalaya. Majority of tribal people (ca.
83 per cent) in the state is engaged in agriculture. The shifting cultivation
and terrace (bun) agriculture are two major farming systems, prevalent in
Meghalaya. Tree based farming practices are also prevalent in the state. The
crops are grown in association with tree species like alder, Aquilaria, areca nut, coconut, bamboo, Khasi pine, etc. Due to undulating
topography and hilly terrain, the farmers predominantly use bamboo drip
irrigation practice. The harvesting of crops adds a new dimension towards
improvement of soil fertility. The farmers pick up ear heads of crops only,
other parts of plant are left on cultivated land. The farmers store grains in
structures, made of soil and plant materials. The seed storage structures are
traditional and resistant to insects.